Alpaca Works

Alpaca Works is a non-governmental organization which offers socioeconomic opportunities to women knitters' groups in the Cochabamba region of Bolivia. They create beautiful hand knit alpaca wool and organic cotton sweaters and children's sweater sets using a range of natural dyes.

Accelerated urbanization has strained the limited economic opportunities for its large Indian population, primarily of the Quechua indigenous group, as well as Aymara and Mestizo peoples. The goal of Alpaca Works has been to develop an artisans' association that would contribute to the economic and social advancement of Quechua and Aymara women. In addition, plans have included the expansion of the cooperative to develop innovative programs that incorporate educational components and support local artisans, indigenous product suppliers, ecological business associations, and sustainable agriculture programs. For example, the following alternatives and improvements have been introduced: natural dyes and natural colored yarns, organic cotton, recycled glass buttons, biodegradable detergents, and recycled products.

Long term goals are to develop protocols that will have positive impacts on the sustainability the community, while promoting cultural practices and products that are in danger of vanishing. Alpaca Works' organizational structure is a cooperative system, encouraging the participation of all its members.

Alpaca Works
Casilla 5279
Calle Potosí #1356
Cochabamba, Bolivia
591/424.4764